We desperately need more foster carers, not only to relieve the strain on our kennels system but also to help our dogs heal. But what do you get out of it, why do you foster?

I do it for lots of reasons. Sometimes, I just think I am the right person at the right time. Take George for example, my current foster. A shepherd cross, George arrived full of angst. He had nipped someone in a previous home in a situation in which he felt overwhelmed. Then, in kennels he was backing himself into corners, terrified and barking to create distance between himself and any visitors. Outside, when he had space to run from any danger, he was a different dog, affectionate and playful, so we knew – or hoped at least – that George had the potential to destress and learn different behaviours.
Not everyone could have coped with having George in their house - he had a bite history after all, but I honestly believed my pack and I could help him heal. I have two dogs of my own; Masha, a livestock guardian and Ooki, a Sarplaninac cross, both of which I adopted through Saving Saints. They are big, powerful dogs but also resilient and sociable and I thought they were Geroge’s best hope. So Masha, Ooki and I’ve spent the last few months helping George decompress, giving him space, making him feel safe, build his resilience giving him lots of cuddles and affection and also, getting him used to the pack dynamic. It was slow introductions to mine at first but gradually George – and mine – have learnt to trust each other and to trust me.
Goerge is very loving and is a great communicator He now comes and gives me a nose bump for food and when he wants to go out. He doesn’t like chaos, likes his life to be predictable and planned but he is unbelievably loyal, I am sure he would protect me with his life. He uses his mouth a lot in play and affection. He will hold my hand quite firmly with his teeth and tells me when he wants a stroke, but he means no harm by it and I am teaching him the boundaries of how to be gentle. We really are getting there and it gives me such joy . Nothing beats that feeling of knowing you have helped an animal in need and in that sense, perhaps I need the dogs as much as they need me. I enjoy caring. I was my mum’s carer, I was a single dad for 20 years. I’ve always had rescue animals. They are my sunshine and they really do shine so bright.